by Holly Rayner
Eventually, the orchestra leader opted for a change of pace. Slow, yearning, deeply romantic, the first notes rolled out over the audience, catching them up and reeling them in.
And Karim didn’t intend to let it slip by.
“Hallie,” he began, “if Mrs. Griffin doesn’t mind watching Aaron for a bit, would you like to dance?”
Cue Annemarie’s immediate agreement of, “Of course I don’t mind!” and Hallie’s murmur of, “Well, if it’s really all right…”
Pleased, Karim took Hallie’s hand in his just as she rose from her seat. Deliciously supple, in that silky floating gown that did such marvelous things for her figure and her confidence, she moved gracefully into his arms without a moment’s hesitation.
Karim was carrying with him an air of subdued excitement that radiated outward like a beam of solar light. Strange, how powerful he felt: a superhero who could take on the world’s foes and win, just because he had managed to secure a goal he had been angling for during these many months. It sent an almost visible tension through every muscle, a sense of pride and accomplishment that would last long after that final contract was signed.
“What is it, Karim?” Hallie finally whispered. “You’re humming like a high wire.”
In this exhilarated mood, surely he should be able to swoop her up and whisk her away into the air, sans the assistance of any winged transport.
His dark eyes were dancing in rhythm with his talented feet as he whispered back, “We did it, Hallie. Chip Griffin has confirmed the sale. It just needs our final signatures and approval from our lawyers. Then, I will own Griffin Oceanic.”
“Oh, Karim, that’s wonderful! It’s what you’ve wanted—you must be so happy!”
Held close to his breast, she tipped her head back to look up at him with an admiration and delight that mirrored his own. This must be the ultimate joy of marriage, he thought, his head whirling. To share such iconic moments, together, whether for the good or—hopefully rarely—for the bad. This must be the apex which everyone struggled to attain and so few managed.
“I am. I am so very happy. And much of that is due to you, Hallie. You have provided me with an enormous advantage today, and I will never forget what you have done for me.”
And to me?
It is a wise man who recognizes his own failings, as well as his own strengths, and can work with both. Karim knew himself to be undemonstrative. He held back from the normal outpourings of touches or hugs or slaps on the back exchanged between human beings.
Tonight—indeed, often, since he had first met the indescribable woman in his arms—he had completely stepped away from that image. He wanted to touch. To hug. And maybe even something more…
“Hallie,” he breathed into her ear.
The tickle must have startled her, because she turned her face toward him at the exact second he lowered his. There—in the midst of the dance floor, in the midst of a seductive song, in the midst of a slowly circling crowd—their lips met: his warm and all-encompassing, hers curved sweetly and generously in response.
It was an electrifying kiss, and Karim suddenly felt as lightheaded as if he’d been swimming too long underwater. Were those fireworks he could hear going off overhead?
The music had stopped, however, with a final note left quivering in the air.
And Hallie stopped with it.
Abruptly, she pulled free to stand, confused and overwhelmed, a few steps away.
“Hallie—”
“It’s late, Karim.” She rushed into speech to forestall anything else he might want to say. “Aaron is tired, and I’m tired, and—it’s very late, and you promised we could leave whenever I was ready, and we need to go now, and—it’s very late, Karim.”
Deeply regretting the distress he had so clearly caused, he worked to soothe rather than exacerbate.
“Of course, Hallie. We can leave immediately. We’ll just thank our hosts, shall we, and say good night? You’re right—it is very late.”
Chapter 12
When had it begun? How had it begun, this unusual and unnerving swirl of emotions deep in her middle? Part trickle of excitement, part spasm of unease…all brought on by that kiss, out of the blue—an almost accidental meeting of yearning lips.
Dawn was just beginning to send a few tentative fingers of light across the rolling hills of the estate, through the summer trees, and into the window of Hallie’s bedroom, situated on the second floor. Perhaps her mood had to do with the sweet dewiness of early morning, and the country air slipping in past white curtains to tease her with unaccustomed scent, and the golden color of sun shifting and growing on the opposite wall.
Nearby, little Aaron slumbered, with cute, soft baby snores, under a blanket in a crib provided by the owners of the mansion. With yesterday’s unusual schedule, and last night’s hours spent in the company of unfamiliar individuals and irregular times to eat and sleep, he had been tired and cranky during the limo ride back to their rented escape. Now down for the count, he probably wouldn’t awaken for a while.
Not so for Hallie. She had slept little herself, being visited by flashbacks of the evening’s every detail. The gowns, the jewelry, the meal, the décor, the guests—all seemed to circle around and around in her mind, like a kaleidoscope of color and beauty.
Her recollections always culminated in the kiss.
She turned on her side in the four-poster bed, pressed her hands together under one cheek, and gazed dreamily at her surroundings of white lace and down. Blue carpeting so thick and plush as to be walking through clouds. Tasteful white furniture, decorated and arranged with the female guest in mind. Soft yellow walls, warm and soothing, to rival the rays of the morning sun.
Such richness. Such luxury. What did people do with themselves, the owners of such transient treasures? Did they simply lounge around and contemplate the pleasures of possession? Did they engage in charity work? Or, more likely, did they hold some exalted position on some exalted board, for the publicity and the prestige?
As much as Hallie knew she would miss being exposed to the finer things of life, still, she appreciated her own little niche, her sense of independence, her routine, her help in doing whatever she could to alleviate suffering in any little corner she might occupy.
She would take away the good from this weekend. For this had been an incredible experience in which she had been allowed to participate, to delight in everything so absolutely opposite to all that she had grown up with and known in her simple, somewhat plebeian life.
And all because her and Karim’s paths had accidentally crossed.
She had certainly kissed a few men in her dating adventures. None had affected her in this almost unearthly way.
Yes, she had most certainly slept with one—Aaron’s father, Eduardo Cortez. And he had hurt her desperately with his abandonment, just when she had needed him so much. That kind of betrayal might easily cause one to swear off men forever. And she had, for a while. Until loneliness had forced her into the disastrous blind date.
Once trust is gone, it is neither quickly nor lightly recalled. And though she was loath to admit it, Hallie was afraid at just how much that simple fact would come to affect her future.
How could she ever trust again?
Delightful, exciting, stimulating kiss or no, how could she trust Karim?
Chapter 13
Aaron was still sleeping like an angel when Hallie, freshly showered, dressed, and ready for the day, crept downstairs. The wonderful fragrance of coffee brewing drew her to the kitchen.
“You!” she blurted out, upon discovering Karim at the round table, already frowning over the screen of his laptop. “You can use a kitchen appliance?”
At the interruption, he looked up with his usual smile from whatever work was needing attention. He appeared shiny and well-rested; no middle-of-the-night heebie-jeebies for him. Unless that neutral façade was another way to hide the feelings he rarely let show.
“Filling a pot with water and adding a filter of groun
d beans does not constitute actual cooking, I’m afraid,” he admitted with a chuckle. “Although I might, if pressed, be able to put two slices of bread into the toaster.”
“Well, that’s something, anyway,” she grinned. Pouring herself a cup, she joined him and gave him a once-over. “You’re looking quite snappy this morning.”
“Pardon. What does that mean, snappy?” For the first time, he seemed at a loss. Unusual for him. Perhaps he was just distracted.
“It means that I like the way you’re dressed. It’s different. And becoming.”
He wore a casual pale yellow polo shirt, untucked; lightweight khaki trousers; and brown loafers, minus socks. The Sheikh glanced down, almost…self-consciously?
“Ah. You approve. And you, as well, Hallie. You look radiant.”
“Flatterer.”
Given the very small amount of sleep she had managed to snatch, ‘radiant’ could not be absolutely valid.
“In fact—” Closing the lid of his laptop, he leaned forward. “—if I may say; you look quite delicious.”
Color rose to her cheeks, and she hastily, if figuratively, retreated.
Time to change the subject.
“Where did all this food come from, anyway? I don’t recall you doing any shopping in between flights here and there.”
“No. Our hosts provided a selection for us, in the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. And where is little Aaron right now?”
Hallie lifted her hand, showing crossed fingers for good luck.
“He had a rough night, getting himself overtired and crabby. His Highness is still sleeping in.”
“I’m sorry. If you think it was too much for him—”
“Oh, no. The kid has turned into a real party animal, and he had a great time. It’s just that he doesn’t know when to call it quits.”
They shared a laugh; then, for a few minutes they simply sat in companionable silence, enjoying their breakfast coffee, delighting in the view through the large bay window. Just like any old couple, mused Hallie, a trifle wistfully. Shortly, she would fry up some bacon and eggs, to serve on the pretty chinaware that matched the kitchen’s color scheme.
She took another slow sip of coffee. “I called my mom a little while ago.”
If she didn’t know better, she thought he might have just pricked up his ears at the announcement, like a watchful German Shepherd.
“Oh? Just to check in?”
“Well, yes, that. I told her about the party last night, and my dress. And that I’d be home sometime later this afternoon.”
“Ah. About that…”
After some consideration—based on his reaction to this weekend and possibly her own—Karim had come up with a different plan, one which he broached to her now.
“I thought we might stay here another day, and return in the morning. If that would be convenient for you?”
Another day here, in this delightful setting, with leisure galore and all the comforts she could ever ask for? How could she ever stand such hardship?
“I’m not due back to work until Tuesday,” she reflected slowly, working out the details. “Yes, that would be fine, Karim. It would be wonderful, actually. But I thought you needed to get back to the office yourself, for—well, for whatever things must be piling up on your desk.”
He shrugged.
“Many of those things can be dealt with remotely, and I can also leave instructions with my very capable secretary. So. It is but a matter of letting your parents know about the change in plans?”
“Sure. I can do that.”
“And, perhaps…” He gaze was set steadily on her face as he hesitated. “Perhaps we might explore the grounds again, later, and take a picnic lunch along.”
Hallie nearly dropped her empty cup. This man was full of surprises, veering suddenly from one point to another, and it was a dizzying business just to keep up with him.
“Well, that sounds like—” heaven! “—fun. Certainly something different to do up here. Meanwhile, Karim, how would you like some breakfast?”
“That would be wonderful, Hallie,” he admitted with gratitude. “I’m afraid the apple I had simply did not provide enough substance, first thing in the morning. You must think I am very spoiled.”
“Not at all. I’m feeling a bit peckish, myself.” Grinning, she took herself to the working part of the kitchen to see what she could concoct.
As if on cue, right as they finished their egg-and-bacon-topped, open-faced sandwiches, a muffled “Ah-wah-wah!” and what sounded like a good solid kick of foot against crib drifted down from upstairs.
“Excellent timing.” Hallie put the dishes in the sink and removed the housewifely apron tied around her waist. “I’ll just run and see if—”
“May I help?” Karim was already pushing back his chair.
“Well…sure. Of course, if you really want to.”
“Yes. I really do.”
And so they rescued the wide-awake and irritated baby together. A quick diaper change—while Karim entertained him with a toy, as he rolled around on the bed trying to escape—and they could return to the kitchen. Therein lay the food, and Aaron was now most interested in his own breakfast.
“What is that?”
Hallie had mixed a bowl of what looked like glue and was spooning it as rapidly as possible into Aaron’s opened mouth.
“It’s rice cereal. Why?”
He imitated a shudder. “Do all babies eat that?”
“Well, I don’t know about all. But here in the States, a lot of them do.”
“It appears most unappetizing.”
She chuckled.
“They’re not too concerned with appearance at this age, Karim. They only know that their tummies are empty, and they need to be filled, quick. Wait till I give him slices of banana on the tray, and he starts mashing it all up into his hair.”
Aaron, strapped securely into his high chair seat, was busily reaching for some snacks in between voracious bites. With the cereal gone and the finger foods finished, piece by piece, he was ready for a bottle. Karim was more than happy to volunteer his service.
While Aaron sat happily on Karim’s knees, worked at his bottle, kicked bare feet, and stretched curious fingers to play with the various facial features hovering above him like some giant moon, Hallie could only sit and dreamily watch. Her surrogate husband, her child’s surrogate father. The family she didn’t have.
Just as Aaron abruptly signaled that he’d consumed all he could, for the moment, Hallie snapped to attention. No. She would not fall into the clutches of that hopeless fantasy. She would complete her weekend here, as agreed, and return to what she had left behind. Period. Time to grow up and leave la-la-land behind.
You’re an adult, she told herself sternly. Start acting like it.
“Okay, kiddo,” she said, rising to take the baby now squirming for freedom. “Let’s go have a bath and get dressed.”
Aaron was old enough now to sit up in the tub’s few inches of water and splash to his heart’s content. He was making noises and grabbing for bubbles when Hallie lifted him out, wrapped him into a plush towel, and rolled him around on the bed. Giggling, he made a dive to get away, but she grabbed one fat little thigh and hauled him back.
“It’s a game we play,” she explained for the benefit of Karim, who seemed to be enjoying the sideshow. “He’s getting stronger every day, and learning so much. He’s at the age now where you have watch the little dickens every minute he’s awake.”
“I can understand. It is a never-ending job, is it not?”
“Yup.”
She was buffing vigorously to get him dry before taping his little bottom into the ready diaper, then a cute little romper with a dog in blue-and-yellow embroidery on the front.
“And it’s a lot to ask of my mom. I’m afraid she’s having trouble keeping up with him, and it’s hard on her. But she insists she loves taking care of him.”
His gaze shifted from the energetic child, twisting
about, to Hallie’s hands, competent and gentle, to her face, intent upon a necessary task.
“And hard on you, as well?”
“Oh—sometimes. Just like every mother. But—” Finished, she lightly tickled the little boy’s tummy until he erupted into deep chuckles; then, with a nuzzle into his chubby neck, she swung him up into her arms. “—my Aaron is such a little love, he makes everything worth it. Don’t you, sweetheart?”
Turning to Karim, she added, “Okay, then, let’s go get some food ready for this picnic; what do you say?”
While Karim carried the baby downstairs, to play with his toys on a blanket spread across the floor, Hallie rifled through the cupboards and shelves for supplies. It didn’t take long. She made tuna salad sandwiches and grabbed a bag of chips; several containers filled with grapes, cherries, sliced bananas, and wedges of cheese; a package of chocolate chip cookies; napkins; bottled water, and peach juice.
Truly, a gourmet feast!
Karim, rummaging around, even found a picnic basket to stuff everything into. Then, there was the bulging bag with all of Aaron’s necessities: diapers and wet wipes; a change of clothing; food and snacks and bottles; playthings; bibs; and the blanket to be toted along.
Nonplussed, Karim stood staring at the pile to be hauled some distance away—and back again—and screwed up his face with dismay.
“What?” Hallie turned from putting a tiny sunhat on Aaron.
“Have we reserved a wagon somewhere, of which I am not aware? Or am I to serve as the pack horse?”
She burst into laughter.
“Silly man. I have the handiest carryall to tuck Aaron into, and I can deal with his diaper bag. Muscles, see?” Proudly, she flexed her biceps. “And if you will kindly grab the basket and the blanket, then we’re all set.”
His expression told her he might be regretting his impulsive suggestion. But it was too late now. Time to load up and move out.
A wide, paved walkway took them from the terrace to the pond, where white swans lounged on the bank or swam, in reflected glory, upon water as smooth and calm as a mirror. Hallie pointed out this detail or that to the fascinated little boy snuggled against her breast as he took in everything and gurgled his own baby language.